Serving YouServing the people of the 36th Senate District is very important to me. It is great to meet and talk with constituents in the district, and I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You may call toll-free at 1-855-347-8036 or email senjstamas@senate.michigan.gov. Also, please check out my Facebook page. Let me know if I can assist you in any way or if you have an idea to help move our state forward.

It was a great turnout for the third annual 2018 Tunnel to Towers 5K in Alpena in September. The event raises money to help build smart homes for injured veterans. It is wonderful to see law enforcement officers and firefighters in full gear join members of the community to honor America’s brave men and women and help raise money for a great cause. Let us never forget freedom’s true cost.

I had the honor of being the special guest for the successful Business After Hours event last week. Thank you to the Standish Area Chamber of Commerce and Wheeler’s Restaurant for a great event and wonderful night in Standish.

2018 Hunting update onlineHunting has been a tradition for many Michigan families for generations, and I am committed to preserving our outdoor heritage.

I am proud to offer a 2018 Hunting Guide on my website for your use. It includes details on Michigan hunting seasons, legislative news and other important hunting information.

Michigan offers fantastic hunting opportunities that are a great way to help support area families and local businesses and protect our abundant wildlife and natural resources for years to come.

Hunting digests from the Department of Natural Resources — with all current Michigan rules and regulations — can be found at www.michigan.gov/hunting. On the site, you can also learn about all other hunting seasons and how to get a license.

Check out fall family activities at state parks

Michigan state parks offer plenty of family fun and adventure beyond the summer season. More than 30 state parks host fall harvest festivals in September and October. Selected parks feature hay rides, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, even haunted trails!

Survivors of sexual assault have an important new resource to help in the healing process. A confidential, 24-hour sexual assault hotline — 1-855-VOICES4 — is now up and running to provide support and referrals.

Counselors can connect victims with sexual assault programs that offer additional counseling, advocacy and support as well as other services such as crime victim compensation and an electronic victim notification service.

Each year, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget selects a tree to stand in front of the state Capitol and serve as the state’s official Christmas tree.

This year, a 62-foot spruce from Alpena has been picked for the honor! The tree is being donated by Mike and Shelly Catto and is the second state tree to come from Alpena, with the first coming in 1989.

The spruce will be cut down Oct. 25 and delivered to Lansing with help from several timber and trucking organizations at no cost to the state. The tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 16 as part of Lansing's annual Silver Bells in the City celebration.

News for Michigan seniors!Michigan is truly a wonderful place to live, and our seniors have worked hard to help make Michigan the great state it is today. I want to make sure we work to protect the safety and well-being of our older adults so they can continue to enjoy all Michigan has to offer.

It features legislative news as well as helpful consumer, health and travel information. The update also includes a list of 23 phone numbers for seniors or their loved ones to call on a variety of issues.

As always, please don’t hesitate to call on me with any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance with any state matter.

THE 36TH DISTRICT

The 36th Senate District is made up of 10 counties, which includes: Presque Isle, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Oscoda, Alcona, Iosco, Arenac, Gladwin and Midland counties.

Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the 36th Senate District of Michigan. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 36th District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website or via Facebook.